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Delta has supported the work of the Partnership since 2002. Delta’s long-term commitment is helping the Partnership advance the vision for achieving watershed sustainability through implementation of green infrastructure policies and practices. “It is evident that there are many champions in local government; and it is important that we recognize and celebrate what they are doing. This is all part of creating our future. And when we ask ‘what will this community look like in 50 years’, we can point to the green infrastructure examples and then we will know what it will look like in 50 years,” stated Mayor Lois Jackson.

“The core strength of the Partnership for Water Sustainability, as the name suggests, has been the development of creative partnerships throughout BC and beyond that has included local and provincial government, the academic sector as well as the business sector, seeking through collaboration, common ground on water sustainability goals and practices,” states Eric Bonham. “The Partnership has implemented a twin-strategy that enhances long term water sustainability goals realized through the implementation of practical tools that have been effectively demonstrated in communities throughout BC.”

“The Water Sustainability Action Plan has allowed the Province to leverage partnerships to greatly enhance the profile and resulting impact of Living Water Smart. The Partnership for Water Sustainability is playing a key delivery role in several theme areas, in particular developing tools for local government and providing training to support an environmentally adaptive approach to community design,” stated Lynn Kriwoken. “I believe that the key to the success of the Ministry’s relationship with the Partnership and its evolution over the years has been our shared vision for water stewardship.”

Launched by the Partnership for Water Sustainability in BC in 2012, the IREI supports implementation of integrated and watershed-based community planning processes on the east coast of Vancouver Island and in the Lower Mainland regions of British Columbia. “In Year 3, the program is built around an Inter-Regional Collaboration Workshop Series. The spotlight is on the Watershed Health issue and how to move forward with implementation and integration, really. This sharing and learning process aligns with each region’s priorities and individual work plans. The deliverable is ‘Beyond the Guidebook 2015,” reports Peter Law.

“Wetlands are the kidneys of the earth. The workshop targeted key agencies involved in wetland conservation. Our mission is to challenge local government by posing this question: Is your municipality doing enough to prevent downstream impacts from rainwater runoff while maintaining healthy aquatic habitat. The Partnership circulated an e-blast to its local government audience and there was an immediate response in terms of registrations. In a matter of a few days the workshop was fully subscribed,” stated Christine Cooper.

“The Partnership appreciates that APEGBC took the initiative and reached out to us. Partnering with APEGBC will help us fulfill our mission in delivering the Water Sustainability Action Plan for British Columbia, We look forward to informing and educating APEGBC members about provincial policies and initiatives, local government innovation and precedents, and new web-based decision tools so that those who are municipal practitioners will be better equipped to implement rainwater management practices that mimic the Water Balance,” states Tim Pringle.

“The IIABC is collaborating to build a foundation for future change in order to help us align our industry education and certification offerings that include efficient irrigation systems. This will assist us in supporting our membership with sustainable irrigation practices. We all need to be accountable for our water resource. With shared tools and programs; we can collaborate to make a difference. With shared tools and programs; we can collaborate to make a difference,” states Keesha Rosario.

“If we are to control our destiny and create our future, then we need to challenge our fellow Vancouver Islanders to visualize what they want Vancouver Island to look like in 50 years. We have identified two desired outcomes in Convening for Action. We wish to influence Vancouver Island local governments to adopt Design with Nature as the preferred process of approving land development applications. We intend to facilitate the move from awareness to action in changing the way that land is developed and water is used on Vancouver Island,” stated John Finnie,

“You have to create forums for the conversations that otherwise would not happen,” he says. “You can call a meeting and have people sit around the table, but if they’ve all got their official hats on, you don’t get very far. Creating a situation where you can have a candid conversation is important. “We challenge our audiences, ‘What do we want this place to look like in 50 years?’ Because the decisions we make now about land development will ripple through time,” stated Kim Stephens.

“In 2002, a provincial group with municipal representation from four regions came together to form an Inter-Governmental Partnership. Champion local governments have made a sustaining financial commitment to ensure the success of the Water Balance Model,” states Ted van der Gulik, Chair. “Early support and sustaining financial support by champion local governments that are Water Balance Model Partners was a foundation block in a building process that has culminated in formation of the Partnership as a legal entity.”